Biological Science Technician

This position serves as a seasonal Biological Sciences Technician at the USDA, NRCS Corvallis Plant Materials Center. Start date is expected to be March 15th, 2025. Resume and cover letter must be submitted by January 5th, 2025 for consideration. The technician assist with field production and facility operations, and assists the PMC staff in collecting and documenting plant performance of conservation plants to support natural resource conservation programs. The Plant Materials Center develops plant science technology to assist NRCS field offices in conservation of natural resources and farm bill programs. To learn more about what we do visit our website:

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/orpmcra14091.pdf

What you will do:

Assist with PMC field, greenhouse, and shadehouse operations, including seeding, irrigation, cultivation, harvesting, and potting. Assists with the proper applications of pesticides for control of undesirable plants and insects. Assist with establishment, maintenance, and evaluation of off-center plantings. Wild seed collection and site visits. Clean seed and process plants produced at the PMC. Operate and assist with maintenance and repair of various kinds of farm agricultural equipment Assist with monitoring plantings, harvesting plots, collecting data, and data entry. Assist in the compilation of technical data and information to be used for the development of technical reports, notes and plant guides. Assist PMC staff in conducting PMC tours, training, and other technology transfer activities appropriate to the position. Serves as an incidental motor vehicle operator on public and private roads. A valid state driver's license is required.

The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring running, walking, or bending; walking or climbing over rocky areas, through plowed fields or other uneven surfaces, through dense vegetation; or climbing ladders to maintain facilities and equipment. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts or machines; working outdoors with exposure to adverse weather conditions, or working with chemicals and pesticides. Employee is required to use protective clothing or gear such as hard hats, masks, Tyvek coveralls, ear plugs, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields to moderate risks, or to follow procedures for minimizing risk.

Conditions of Employment:

U.S. Citizenship required.

Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.

Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.

Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.

You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required.

This is a TEMPORARY NTE 1039 HOUR APPOINTMENT. Temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours in a service year may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. The typical seasonal duty period is mid March through October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Work schedule is 40 hours a week Monday-Friday.

Qualifications

Basic knowledge and understanding of plant sciences, such as horticulture, biology, agronomy, and environmental sciences, and plant culture in order to assist other staff with PMC activities. Basic knowledge and experience with operating farm equipment such as large tractors, using lawnmowers and trimmers for grounds maintenance, ability to adapt knowledge to use specialized equipment, and skill in maintaining equipment to ensure it works properly when needed.

Basic knowledge of plant production facilities, such as greenhouses and shade houses, in order to be able to effectively support efficient operations and scientific studies at the PMC.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Preference will be given to applicants who possess a valid Oregon Pesticide Applicators license.

EXPERIENCE: Six months of general experience in research activity or control work; nursery work that required the growing and maintenance of plants in a controlled environment. You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics. AT LEAST 6 SEMESTER HOURS MUST HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POSITION TO BE FILLED. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $18.00 - $18.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $19